WELCOME TO
Kenya
KENYA AT A GLANCE
The Home of the Classic African Safari
Kenya is where the modern safari was born. Open savannah, acacia-dotted plains, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, and some of the most photographed wildlife scenes in Africa.
Internationally recognised for the Masai Mara and the Great Wildebeest Migration, Kenya delivers high predator density, expansive landscapes, and well-established safari infrastructure. Beyond the Mara, the country offers elephant-rich Amboseli, the vast wilderness of Tsavo, flamingo-lined lakes, and private conservancies that redefine exclusivity.
For travellers seeking iconic wildlife, strong guiding standards, and a refined safari circuit, Kenya remains one of Africa’s most consistent destinations.
Kenya is where the modern safari story began
Kenya combines classic game viewing with strong conservation partnerships and private conservancy access. It offers flexibility — from luxury tented camps in wildlife corridors to remote conservancy experiences with limited vehicle density.
Key reasons travellers choose Kenya:
The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara
High predator density and reliable big cat sightings
Elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
Private conservancies for exclusive game viewing
Strong guiding culture and safari heritage
Easy combination of safari and Indian Ocean coastline
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Why visit Kenya
Kenya sets aside a significant share of its landscape for conservation, combining iconic national parks with community conservancies that put wildlife and local communities side by side. Its safari network is well-developed, wildlife-dense and easy to navigate, making it ideal for travellers who want classic African safari moments, strong predator sightings and varied ecosystems within a single destination.
Kenya key facts
Kenya lies along the equator in East Africa and borders Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. The country stretches from the Indian Ocean coastline to the Great Rift Valley and central highlands.
POPULATION SIZE
55 million
CURRENCY
Kenyan shilling (KES)
GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE
580,367 km²
LANGUAGE
English & Kiswahili
Savannah plains
Savannah plains The Masai Mara and southern Kenya are characterised by open grasslands, seasonal rivers and scattered acacia trees that support high wildlife densities.
Semi-arid wilderness
Semi-arid wilderness Northern Kenya and the Tsavo ecosystem offer expansive landscapes with rugged terrain and adapted wildlife species.
Mountain & Rift Valley
Mountain & Rift Valley landscapes Mount Kenya rises at 5,199 metres above sea level. The Great Rift Valley shapes much of Kenya’s terrain, including alkaline lakes that attract birdlife.
Lion
The Masai Mara supports a significant lion population, with large prides frequently observed during game drives.
Leopard
Leopards are regularly sighted along riverine systems in the Mara and Samburu reserves.
Elephant
Amboseli National Park is known for large elephant herds that move across open plains against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Rhino
Lake Nakuru National Park and several private conservancies protect both black and white rhino populations.
Kenya weather
Dry season June to October Wildlife visibility improves as vegetation thins. The Great Migration typically reaches the Masai Mara between July and October.
Short rains November to December Brief rainfall refreshes landscapes with minimal impact on travel.
Green season March to May Heavier rainfall occurs, particularly in April. Visitor numbers decrease and some camps offer reduced rates.
Kenya remains accessible year-round, though migration timing influences peak travel periods.
DRY SEASON
June to October
SHORT RAINS
November to December
GREEN SEASON
March to May
Best time to go
Kenya’s safari destinations
Kenya’s safari strength lies in combining high-density wildlife areas with private conservancies and coastal retreats.
The Great Migration – Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara forms the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem. Between July and October, large herds of wildebeest cross into the Mara following seasonal rainfall patterns
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most celebrated safari destination and forms the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem. Covering approximately 1,510 square kilometres, the reserve connects seamlessly with surrounding private conservancies that expand the overall wildlife area.
Between July and October, the Great Wildebeest Migration typically reaches the Mara. Herds cross the Mara River in unpredictable waves, driven by grazing pressure and rainfall patterns. These crossings attract Nile crocodiles and large predator concentrations, particularly lion and hyena.
Outside migration season, the Masai Mara remains a premier year-round safari destination. Resident wildlife includes large lion prides, cheetah coalitions, leopard along riverine forests, and substantial buffalo and elephant populations. The open terrain allows for consistent game viewing and strong photographic opportunities.
Private conservancies bordering the reserve provide lower vehicle density, off-road driving in designated areas, night drives and guided walking safaris. Camp selection and conservancy access significantly influence the overall safari experience.
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River crossings along the Mara River create dramatic wildlife encounters. Crocodiles position themselves at crossing points while predators wait nearby.
Outside migration months, the Mara remains a premier year-round safari destination. Resident lion prides, cheetah coalitions and leopard sightings provide consistent wildlife viewing.
Elephants Beneath Kilimanjaro – Amboseli National Park
Elephants Beneath Kilimanjaro – Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is positioned near Kenya’s border with Tanzania and is renowned for its elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Although Kilimanjaro sits across the border, its snow-capped summit dominates the skyline of Amboseli’s open plains.
The park’s ecosystem is sustained by underground water flowing from Kilimanjaro, feeding permanent swamps that attract wildlife throughout the year. This makes elephant sightings particularly reliable, even during dry months.
Amboseli also supports lion, cheetah, hyena, buffalo and numerous bird species. Clear views of Kilimanjaro are most common at dawn when cloud cover is minimal.
Vast Wilderness – Tsavo East & Tsavo West
Tsavo East and Tsavo West together form one of the largest protected ecosystems in Africa. The landscape varies dramatically between the two sections.
Tsavo East is characterised by open plains and the Galana River system, while Tsavo West features volcanic hills, lava flows and natural springs such as Mzima Springs.
Wildlife includes large elephant herds, lion, leopard, buffalo and giraffe. Tsavo is less densely visited than the Masai Mara, offering greater space and a sense of scale. It is well suited for travellers seeking a broader wilderness experience without the seasonal concentration of migration tourism.
Northern Kenya – Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve lies in northern Kenya along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Its semi-arid landscape differs significantly from the southern grasslands, with rugged hills and doum palm-lined riverbanks.
Samburu is known for species adapted to drier climates, often referred to as the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk.
Predator sightings are also strong, particularly lion and leopard along river corridors. Visitor numbers are generally lower than in the Masai Mara, offering a more intimate safari setting.
Rhino Sanctuary – Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s leading rhino conservation areas. Both black and white rhino populations are protected within its boundaries, making it one of the more reliable locations to see these species.
The park surrounds an alkaline lake that attracts flamingos and other water birds, although numbers fluctuate depending on water levels. Wooded and rocky sections provide habitat for leopard, while open areas support buffalo, zebra and giraffe.
Lake Nakuru is often incorporated into a Rift Valley circuit or as a shorter safari extension from Nairobi.
Kenya Journeys
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
What animals can I see in Kenya?
Kenya is one of the most wildlife-dense countries in Africa and one of the best places on the continent to see the Big Five in a single trip. Lions patrol the Masai Mara plains, elephants move in vast herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, and leopards rest in the fever trees along the Mara River.
You can expect to see:
Lion
Leopard
Elephant
Buffalo
Black and white rhino
Cheetah
Giraffe
Zebra
Wildebeest
Hippo and crocodile
Kenya is also home to more than 1,100 bird species, from flamingos in Lake Nakuru to martial eagles and secretary birds across the savannah.
During the Great Wildebeest Migration, over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle cross into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on earth.
Where is Kenya located?
Kenya sits in East Africa along the equator. It borders Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, Ethiopia and South Sudan to the north, Somalia to the east, and has a coastline along the Indian Ocean.
Its landscape ranges from open savannah and volcanic highlands to arid northern reserves and white sand beaches along the coast.
How many national parks are there in Kenya?
Kenya has more than 20 national parks and over 15 national reserves, along with private conservancies that expand protected land even further.
The most famous include:
Masai Mara National Reserve
Amboseli National Park
Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
Lake Nakuru National Park
Samburu National Reserve
Nearly 12 percent of Kenya’s land is formally protected, and private conservancies play a major role in conservation and low-density safari experiences.
Accommodation ranges from classic tented camps to high-end luxury lodges in prime wildlife areas.
What can I do in Kenya besides going on safari?
Kenya offers more than game drives.
You can:
Relax on the white sand beaches of Diani or Watamu
Visit Lamu’s old Swahili town and explore its narrow streets
Take a scenic flight over the Great Rift Valley
Climb Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak
Visit local Maasai or Samburu communities
Explore Nairobi’s cultural and culinary scene
Kenya combines wildlife, coastline, culture, and mountain adventure in a single country, which makes it one of the most versatile safari destinations in Africa.
What should I wear on a Kenyan safari?
Kenya is warm year-round, but early mornings and evenings can be cool, especially in the highlands and the Masai Mara.
Pack:
Neutral-colored clothing such as khaki, olive, beige
A light fleece or jacket for early game drives
A rain jacket during the green season
Comfortable closed shoes
A hat and sunscreen
Avoid bright colors and white clothing, as they attract dust and can disturb wildlife.
Layering is key. Mornings start cold. By midday, it can be hot.
Where do I fly into Kenya for a safari?
Most international travelers arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
If you are heading to the Masai Mara or other major parks, you can connect via:
Domestic flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi
Scheduled light aircraft flights directly to airstrips near camps
Road transfers for certain parks like Amboseli or Lake Nakuru
For coastal extensions, you can fly into Mombasa or take a domestic flight from Nairobi.
What is Kenya’s national animal?
The lion is widely recognized as Kenya’s national animal. It represents strength, resilience, and leadership, and remains one of the country’s most iconic safari sightings.
VISAS
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
Yes. Most travellers require a travel authorisation before entering Kenya.
Kenya has replaced the traditional visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). You must apply online before travelling and receive approval prior to boarding your flight. It is typically processed within a few days, though applying at least a week in advance is strongly recommended.
Key points:
Application is completed online
Passport must be valid for at least six months
Proof of onward travel may be required
Payment is made online
East African Community citizens are exempt, and some diplomatic or official passport holders may have different arrangements.
Always check the most recent entry requirements before travel, as immigration policies can change.
VACCINATIONS
What vaccines do I need to visit Kenya?
Consult your travel clinic or doctor before travelling.
Commonly recommended vaccinations for Kenya include:
Tetanus
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Diphtheria
Polio
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present or if you have transited through one for more than 12 hours.
Requirements can change, so always confirm before departure.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to visit Kenya?
Kenya lies within the yellow fever endemic zone.
While vaccination is not mandatory for all travellers, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever risk country.
Speak to your healthcare provider to determine whether the vaccine is recommended for your itinerary.
Is there malaria in Kenya?
Yes.
Malaria is present in many low-altitude regions, including the coast and several inland safari areas. Higher altitude areas such as Nairobi have significantly lower risk.
Preventative medication is often recommended. Some anti-malarial tablets must be started before departure, so consult your doctor early.
In addition to medication, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves in the evenings, and sleep under mosquito nets where provided.
What is the COVID protocol for travelling to Kenya?
Kenya currently does not require proof of COVID vaccination for entry.
Entry requirements may change depending on global health advisories or airline policies. Always check official government guidance before travel to ensure you meet the latest requirements.
TIPPING POLICY IN EAST AFRICA
- Tipping practices in East Africa can vary depending on the country and the specific service you receive and how appreciate.
- Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.
- In restaurants, a service charge may already be included in the bill. If not, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is customary.
- For hotel staff, such as porters or room service, a tip of around $1-2 per service is typical.
- For safari guides and drivers, tipping is recommended for good services. The amount varies depending on the length of the safari and level of satisfaction, but a guideline is around $10-20 per person per day.
- It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and tipping practices can vary. It’s always a good idea to consider the level of service you received and your own satisfaction when deciding whether and how much to tip. Additionally, some upscale establishments may have different expectations for tipping.
- It’s recommended to carry small bills in the local currency to facilitate tipping, as it may not always be easy to obtain change for larger bills in upcountry restaurants and lodges.
LET’S PLAN YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
We tailor each journey around seasonality, comfort and wildlife priorities.